LOS ANGELES (CNS) – A judge today granted a motion by lawyers for the Dodgers for a three-month delay in the start of trial of a lawsuit brought against the team on behalf of a man left brain-damaged in a beating outside Dodger Stadium two years ago.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Abraham Khan rescheduled trial of Bryan Stow’s lawsuit from May 28 to Aug. 27.

Plaintiff’s lead attorney Thomas Girardi had fought the delay, arguing that it would be unfair and financially burdensome for Stow if his day in court was delayed. Girardi said his client’s insurance has been depleted and that finances have forced a reduction in the level of care the former paramedic has received.

Defense attorneys countered that preparation of the team’s defense of Stow’s lawsuit is being hampered by the refusal of beating suspects Louie Sanchez, 30, and Marvin Norwood, 31, both of Rialto, to testify during depositions and to instead assert their Fifth Amendment right against self- incrimination. The Dodgers have filed a cross-complaint against the two men.

The team lawyers also said Los Angeles police and the District Attorney’s Office have refused to hand over more than 28,000 documents related to the criminal investigation.

The attorneys estimate the trial will take four weeks.

Stow was beaten in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium shortly after the team’s opening-day victory over the San Francisco Giants on March 31, 2011. He was wearing Giants gear at the time.

The father of two sued former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and some of the team entities in May of 2011. Among the claims are assault, battery, negligence, premises liability, negligent hiring and both intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

Stow, now 43 and a resident of the Santa Cruz area, suffered a fracture that resulted in the loss of a portion of his skull. He also suffered brain damage.

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading …